As nations compete to attract skilled professionals, many are offering higher salaries, fast-track visa programs, and plentiful job opportunities. In 2024, these countries are not only leading in salary offerings for skilled workers but also have strong projections for continued demand in 2025.
Here are the top five countries standing out for their high pay and promising prospects:
1. Switzerland – Average Salary: $87,500
Switzerland remains the top destination for skilled workers, offering an average salary of $87,500. The country has various work permit options, including L and B permits. Key sectors facing worker shortages include IT, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades. By 2025, there is expected growth in demand for sustainability consultants, AI specialists, and green energy engineers, as Switzerland advances its environmental initiatives.
2. Luxembourg – Average Salary: $78,800
Luxembourg, known for its finance and technology sectors, ranks second with an average salary of $78,800. The EU Blue Card and Third-Country National Work Permit provide pathways for skilled professionals. The country faces shortages in finance, IT, engineering, and healthcare. In 2025, Luxembourg is predicted to see increased demand in fintech, renewable energy technology, and blockchain development.
3. United States – Average Salary: $74,700
The United States continues to be a leading destination for skilled workers, with an average salary of $74,700. Popular visa options include the H-1B visa. High-demand fields in the U.S. include software development, IT, healthcare, and skilled trades. Projections for 2025 suggest a rising need for AI engineers, robotics specialists, and data analysts as the country invests in emerging technologies.
4. Norway – Average Salary: $68,700
Norway offers an average salary of $68,700 and is particularly attractive for professionals in engineering, healthcare, and IT. With the Residence Permit for Skilled Workers, Norway aims to address shortages in sectors such as oil, gas, renewable energy, and IT. By 2025, Norway is expected to experience increased demand for electric vehicle infrastructure planners, smart city architects, and AI automation specialists, as the country focuses on sustainable development.
5. Canada – Average Salary: $65,200
Canada rounds out the top five with an average salary of $65,200. The country’s Global Talent Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program offers expedited work visa processing for skilled workers. There is a strong demand for healthcare professionals, IT specialists, skilled tradespeople, and early childhood educators. In 2025, Canada is expected to see a rise in demand for green energy technicians, AI engineers, and telemedicine professionals as the country prioritizes sustainability and digital health.
As these nations continue to evolve, they will likely offer even more opportunities for skilled workers, with emerging sectors meeting future challenges.
